More than one million people in 10 states will “Drop, Cover and
Hold On” while participating in the “Great Central U.S. ShakeOut”
beginning at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, which is the largest earthquake drill
organized in the region. Individuals can “Drop, Cover and Hold On”
wherever they are – as if an earthquake were occurring – and stay in
position for at least 60 seconds.

The “Great Central U.S. ShakeOut” is a drill designed to educate
the public about how to prepare for – and protect themselves during a
large earthquake. More than 1 million people in communities throughout
the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee will
participate in this event.

This “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill is important for people to
act quickly in such an incident and something to practice often. People
may only have seconds to protect themselves in an earthquake before
strong shaking can knock a person down, or have something fall on them.

One of the most destructive phenomena of nature is an earthquake
and its aftereffects. Although there is no guarantee of safety during
an earthquake, identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance
planning for one can save lives, significantly reduce injuries and
property damage.